New Designated Learning Institution Rules Every International Student In Canada Must Know

Canada continues to welcome international students in large numbers. At the same time, the rules for study permits are becoming more structured so that genuine students are supported and Canada’s study system stays strong and transparent. A key change now affects how your study permit links to your school. If you are planning to study in Canada or you are already here, it is very important to know how the new designated learning institution rules work, especially if you want to change schools, attend more than one institution, or study in a joint program.

This guide breaks the policy into clear steps so you can see how it applies to real situations and what you should do next.

What Has Changed For Study Permits And DLIs

From 8 November 2024, most post-secondary study permits must clearly name the designated learning institution, or DLI, where you are allowed to study.

If you hold this type of permit, you are expected to

• Stay enrolled at the DLI named on your permit
• Remain actively studying in a valid program
• Apply for a new study permit if you want to change your DLI

Study permits issued before this date, and some family members who were exempt from the letter of acceptance rule, may not show a DLI name. Those students can continue at their current school until their permit expires, but it is still wise to keep records updated and plan ahead if you intend to move to another institution. These designated learning institution rules help Canada maintain quality in the education system while continuing to support serious students from around the world.

Designated Learning Institution Rules When You Study At More Than One School

Many students want flexible study plans. For example, a language program plus a college diploma, or two programs at two different colleges. Canada allows this, but there are clear rules.

Studying at more than one DLI – If you wish to study at more than one DLI at the same time, you need a valid study permit for each DLI. Officers will look at whether you can reasonably handle both programs and still meet the conditions of your current permit.

Joint programs with more than one institution – Some programs are designed as joint pathways, such as

• A shared degree between a university and a college
• A program where you start at one institution and finish at another

Joint programs that issue a single credential -If your joint program ends with one final credential from one main DLI, then

• You may receive one attestation letter for that main DLI
• You can usually hold one study permit tied to that main DLI for your whole program
• that DLI handles compliance reporting for you even while you are studying at the partner school

The letter of acceptance in these cases must be clear and unconditional, and the main DLI is responsible for verifying your enrolment and reporting that you are studying as planned.

Changing Your DLI Or Study Level In Canada

Life changes. Programs close, students discover better options, or personal situations shift. Canada allows changes, but there are new steps to follow.

Changing DLIs Inside Canada

If your study permit names a DLI and you want to move to another post-secondary DLI, you must apply for a new study permit. This applies to

• University studies at the bachelor’s, master or doctoral level
• College-level certificate, diploma or applied degree
• CEGEP
• Language studies, such as English or French as a second language

If your application is already in process and you change your mind about where you want to study, you must inform the authorities and submit a new letter of acceptance through the proper channel so your file can be updated.

Studying at the New DLI While Your Application is in Progress

In some special situations, students can start at the new DLI before the new permit is issued. This is mainly when

• The previous DLI closed
• The program was discontinued
• The DLI lost its status or was placed on a suspension list

In that case, students must give a clear explanation and proof of what happened. If you are not in one of these special situations, you should wait until the new study permit is approved before you begin studies at the new DLI.

Moving Between Study Levels

Some common transitions are

• Primary school to secondary school
• Secondary school to college or university
• Bachelor level to master level at the same DLI

Students moving from secondary to post-secondary usually need a new study permit. If they apply before their current permit expires, they may be able to start their new studies while waiting for a decision, but must stop if the application is refused. Students who simply move from one post-secondary level to another at the same DLI can normally keep using their current permit, as long as their conditions are still respected.

What Happens If Your DLI Loses Status Or Is Suspended

Canada works closely with provinces and territories to maintain the quality of DLIs. Sometimes, an institution can lose its DLI status or be placed on a suspension list.

Loss of Designation

If an institution is no longer designated to host international students

• New study permit applications for that institution must be refused
• Students whose applications were in process before the loss of status may be given options, such as
  
  • Provide a new letter of acceptance and an attestation letter from another DLI
• • Withdraw their application
    

Students already studying there can usually finish their current program until their study permit ends. However, they cannot extend a study permit to stay longer at a school that has lost its status.

DLI Suspension

If a DLI is placed on a suspension list for non-compliance

• New applications received during the suspension are returned with fees refunded
• An exception may exist for extensions that only allow a student to finish an existing program
• Applications received before the suspension date continue to be processed as normal
  

These rules protect students and help Canada keep a strong, trusted study system that benefits learners and communities across the country.

Why Designated Learning Institution Rules Matter For You

The newer designated learning institution rules may feel technical, but they serve a clear purpose. They make sure that

• Genuine students are linked to real, approved schools
• Records stay accurate when students move between DLIs
• Low-quality or non-compliant schools cannot keep using international students as a business model
• Families and sponsors can trust that Canada is serious about quality in education

If you plan to study in Canada, treat your DLI choice as a strategic decision. Always keep copies of your letters of acceptance and enrolment. Before changing schools, speak to a qualified professional, review your permit, and make sure your next step stays within the rules.

Canada continues to welcome international learners and wants them to succeed. When you respect these designated learning institution rules, you protect your own future in Canada and help keep the system strong for everyone.